Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his participation in the 2018 elections.

During a rally-concert dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the Gorky Automobile Plant GAZ in Nizhny Novgorod, Vladimir Putin made this statement.

"I will run for the President of the Russian Federation. This is the best place and the best time to announce this, "- Vladimir Putin announced. And then he added: “Thank you for your reaction, and for your work, most of all. Thank you for your attitude to your job, the plant, the city, the country. I am sure, we can do what we need. Russia will never look back, an no one can stop us!”

Putin declared his decision after the plant’s employee asked him about his plans. "Today, in this hall, everyone supports you with no exception. Vladimir Vladimirovich, make us a gift, announce your decision, because we all stand for you, GAZ stands for you," said the worker.

The president's term ends on May 7 next year. If he wins the election, he will stay in office until 2024.

First deputy chairman of the United Russia faction in the State Duma, Andrei Isayev assured that the ruling party would support Vladimir Putin during the upcoming elections. The official did not specify whether the President to run as the party’s representative or as a self-nominated candidate.

The Central Election Commission explained that the President does not need to take a leave after registration. The Law "On the Election of the President of the Russian Federation" obliges candidates working as state or municipal officials, as well as in the media, to go on vacations since the moment of registration for the elections, as well as the day ahead of the voting. This requirement does not apply to the President. "In case of registration, the candidate replacing a state post is not obliged to go on leave," the Election Commission secretary, Maya Grishina, explained.

Putin first became president in 2000, after Boris Yeltsin's resignation. He was replaced by Dmitry Medvedev in 2008 after his two presidential terms, and became prime minister. Four years later they switched jobs.

When Medvedev was president, he initiated amendments extending the presidential term from four to six years.